These Are The Most Visited Destinations In The Dominican Republic

Last Updated 1 year ago

The Dominican Republic is a classic when it comes to Caribbean destinations. A survey published early this year by the international travel insurance firm Allianz revealed Punta Cana to be one of the top international destinations for U.S travelers this year. Known for its diversity, travelers can find everything from beachside resort towns to lush mountain regions in the Dominican Republic. Here is a brief recap of some of the most visited destinations on the Caribbean island.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is by far the most popular destination in the Dominican Republic, and for good reason. Home to the country’s top beachside resorts, as well as an array of shopping and entertainment options, including the Caribbean’s first-ever theme park, currently under construction and set for opening in December this year. With over 78 resorts, guests can find everything from lavish villas to budget-friendly family hotels.

Visitors can also find world-renowned white sand beaches there, including Playa Bávaro, located just north of Punta Cana. This nearly 30-mile long beach is lined with all-inclusive resorts and plenty of restaurants, although visitors can also find more secluded segments where they can snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Puerto Plata

Together with Punta Cana, Puerto Plata is one of the most sought-after resort destinations in the Dominican Republic. It’s also the country’s third largest city, with an abundance of excellent all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, and tropical beaches. Tourists can fly to Puerto Plata Airport from several North American destinations, including Miami, New York, and Toronto.

Puerto Plata is home to over 100,000 hotel rooms, but some of the best choices include the all-inclusive Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort with nightly fares starting at $330 for a two-person room. Meanwhile, the 4-star Playabachata Spa Resort is a budget-friendly option for as little as $195 per night in October.

In addition to its excellent resort scene, Puerto Plata is also famous for its must-see cable car, which gives visitors expansive views of the Atlantic coastline and lush rainforests 2600 feet above the ground. Puerto Playa also offers excellent opportunities to experience the surrounding nature, including its famed 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua hike, with this top-rated guided tour taking tourists into the heart of the area’s nature.

Santo Domingo

Often overlooked, Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the Americas. Due to its impressive historical and cultural legacy, tourists can visit the Colonial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 106 hectares. The city is also increasingly trendy for solo travelers and has seen its popularity surge as an Airbnb destination.

Bayahibe

Known for its excellent snorkeling and diving scene, Bayahibe is a paradise for all kinds of aquatic activities. It is also home to secluded beaches, meaning travelers can enjoy peace of mind away from packed resorts. Travelers can easily reach Bayahibe from La Romana Airport, with private transfers from Santo Domingo and Punta Cana Airport costing around $120 to $130.

Once there, tourists can enjoy the Bayahibe’s calm beaches, which are shallow and have crystal-clear water. Another great option is to book a tour of the nearby Saona Island, which can only be reached by boat from Bayahibe. Saona is part of the Cotubanamá National Park, where visitors can enjoy some of the country’s top coral reefs and marine life, as well as secluded beaches.

Although the Dominican Republic has been extremely popular for U.S tourists this summer, new flights have been recently announced for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. With fewer tourists, flight prices are expected to decrease in the coming months. Arajet, the country’s newest low-cost airline will also help make travel to the country easier than ever before from the Caribbean and Canada.